Local business owner helps neighbors after tornado
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St. Louis American See page B1
The
CAC Audited MAY 29 – JUN. 4, 2025
Serving, empowering and advocating for equity in St. Louis since 1928
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Language of learning
Language Immersion School has high achievement By Ashley Winters St. Louis American Local charter school St. Louis Language Immersion School (SLLIS) offers wrap-around services to support students, teachers, and staff. It inspires young minds while shaping students’ lives. SLLIS serves students in grades Pre-K through eighth grade. It’s staff comes from around the globe—18 countries to be exact—and offers a truly unique dual language immersion program in three languages: French, Spanish, and Chinese. The faculty and staff at SLLIS are dedicated to providing a bilingual, culturally responsive, and transformational education. They focus on nurturing their students, celebrating their successes, and empowering them to embrace challenges and develop. Their international perspective allows them to share their language expertise in the classroom and unique cultural traditions, enriching the students’ global understanding. SLLIS also provides essential services such as a full-time school psychologist, occupational therapist, speech-language pathologist, behavioral health therapist, math
See LANGUAGE, A7
Vol. 97 No. 8 COMPLIMENTARY
St. Louis waits for more FEMA help Thousands face being unhoused
By Sylvester Brown, Jr. St. Louis American Photo courtesy of SLLIS
According to STAR and MAP assessments, St. Louis Language Immersion School students reading and math outpace more than 90% and 80%, respectively, of schools scores statewide.
On Tuesday, U.S. Rep. Wesley Bell (D-Mo.) and five representatives of the Missouri congressional delegation, along with both Missouri senators, sent a letter to President Trump urging immediate approval of Governor Mike Kehoe’s request for a major disaster declaration following the deadly and destructive storms that struck the St. Louis region on May 16. A major disaster declaration would unlock vital federal assistance to support these operations, including public assistance for emergency protective measures and infrastructure repair, individual assistance for displaced and impacted residents, and hazard mitigation assistance to help reduce the risk of future disasters,” the letter stated. “These resources are essential to stabilizing affected communities and safeguarding public health and safety.” On Sunday, Kehoe made an urgent plea to President Donald Trump asking approval for a major disaster declaration that will provide federal assistance to St. Louis, St. Louis County and six southeast Missouri counties hit by deadly storms earlier this month.
See FEMA, A7
Photo by Taylor Marrie
The St. Louis American Foundation’s 14th Annual Salute to Young Leaders celebrated the 2025 cohort on May 22 at The Four Seasons. They join the previous awardees who are helping to rebuild St. Louis.
Clearing the way
Cohort of Young Leaders helping to rebuild STL By Zaria Mac St. Louis American The experience of a natural disaster, particularly a tornado, was lost on many St. Louis natives until May 16, 2025. What started as an ordinary Friday turned into an afternoon of destruction as an EF-3 tornado ripped through the area, causing an estimated $1.2 billion worth of damage. The brunt of the damage took place in his-
torically Black neighborhoods. Though it is easy to feel hopeless, solace can be found in knowing St. Louis is equipped with a generation leading the charge in rebuilding St. Louis. This was made more apparent through the twenty individuals honored at the St. Louis American’s 14th Annual Salute to Young Leaders Awards Ceremony and Networking Reception Thursday evening at The Four Seasons. “In the aftermath it’s been incredible
BUSINESS
Congressman Bell one of many who voted against bill
Congressman Wesley Bell (D-Mo.) was among the House members, including two Republicans, who voted against the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.”
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to see so many of this year’s honorees already out in the field, joining relief efforts,” said Raven Whitener, director of The St. Louis American Foundation, as she opened the awards ceremony of the program. “This moment has part reminded us of the deep resilience of the people that live in this city.” Through past and present endeavors, this class of Young Leaders have
See LEADERS, A6
NAACP calls for insurance action ‘Crisis and opportunity’
By Alvin A. Reid St. Louis American With up to 70% of affected households being uninsured following the May 16, 2025, tornado, the city NAACP chapter is calling for intense scrutiny of insurance company practices as families, churches and business owners desperately try to recover. “The May 2025 tornado presents both crisis and opportunity – to rebuild structures while dismantling systemic insurance inequities,” said Adolphus Pruitt, NAACP St. Louis president. “Through data-driven advocacy targeting claims transparency, FAIR Plan modernization, and insurer accountability metrics, the NAACP [could help] transform
See NAACP, A6
SPORTS
Napheesa Collier has eyes on first MVP Award
Napheesa Collier is currently averaging 29.5 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.5 assists while shooting 56% from the field, 53% from 3-point range and 91% from the free throw line.
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